Advisor moves: RBC reels in $1.1B UBS megateam as UBS deepens Texas presence

RBC, UBS, and Coastline Wealth Management have added fresh talent to their networks, with each firm welcoming new teams and advisors in several key markets.

RBC Wealth Management has scored a win in the wirehouse advisor wars as it welcomed three financial advisors from UBS.

The advisors – Robert Miller in St. Paul, Scott Murray in Boise, and Mark Grueninger in Beverly Hills – managed a combined total of approximately $1.1 billion in client assets at their former firm.

Each brings experience across retirement income strategies, legacy planning, and holistic wealth management.

In a statement, Grueninger, whose 23-year long BrokerCheck record also includes a stop at Merrill Lynch, called out RBC "works hard to preserve clients’ legacy, as well as its "deep bench of services ... to support my clients in the Southern California market and beyond.”

As of April 30, RBC Wealth Management reported $640 billion in client assets, with more than 2,200 financial advisors operating across 42 states.

The three advisors add to the recent stream of departures from UBS, where retention has proven challenging in the months following its decision last year to change its pay structure for advisors.

That's not to say it hasn't made any gains. In Houston, the firm reported hired William Frisco as a private wealth advisor and senior portfolio manager. He joins from Morgan Stanley and brings over 43 years of experience. Frisco oversees approximately $700 million in client assets, primarily for ultra-high net worth individuals and families. He will operate from the firm’s River Oaks office alongside client service associate Mayra Mendez.

Craig Vandegrift, senior market director for Houston at UBS, highlighted Frisco’s "vast experience and unwavering dedication to client education."

Frisco is also known for his advocacy around women’s financial literacy and his involvement with the Women’s Institute of Houston, the Houston Food Bank, and Rice Continuing Studies.

In New York, UBS also added Mellany Bagtas to its 299 Park Avenue office, reporting to Associate Market Executive Demie Kommatas. Supported by wealth strategy associate Kaitlin Weaver, her practice focuses on executives, business owners, founders, and other professionals and their families.

Formerly a first vice president and portfolio manager at Morgan Stanley, Bagtas also spent time as VP for wealth management at Merrill Lynch as well as a banker at JPMorgan.

Meanwhile, Coastline Wealth Management, a hybrid RIA affiliated with Kestra Financial, has added a team led by Jamie Grupe and Chantel Luke from Ameriprise Financial. Based in Wisconsin, the group brings $385 million in assets to Coastline, which they oversee for a formidable client base of approximately 600 households.

The full team includes Marietta Payne, a client service specialist focused on personalized support; Rebecca Huth, client concierge; and Janice Narlock, who brings more than 20 years of experience as a special projects coordinator and tax professional.

Garrett Taylor, CEO of Coastline Wealth Management, said the new additions are aligned with the firm’s expansion goals. “Their deep industry expertise, dedication to client success, and commitment to excellence make them a perfect fit,” he said.

Coastline now has 15 locations nationwide and manages approximately $3.75 billion in assets. The firm is pursuing further growth by targeting additional advisor teams managing between $50 million and $500 million.